The daily newsletter - in a bizarre fashion and less than 24 hours after publication of their so-called “scoop” - published an apology in small font (possibly half their normal font size) on the front page of their Friday edition with the headline “Correction and Apology”.

The paper goes on to acknowledge that they aired in running a story that was not properly researched.

Below is the “apology” as it appeared in the Sowetan:

Coca-Cola and Kaizer Chiefs have both denied a report in yesterday’s (Thursday) edition of Sowetan that Chiefs were set to dump current sponsors Vodacom in favour of a R120-million sponsorship involving the multimillion soft drink company. In fact, contrary to suggestions that Vodacom was withdrawing its support, the cellphone company renewed its sponsorship to the tune of R160 million two months ago.

We accept their assurance and, accordingly, retract the report. Sowetan would like to unreservedly apologise to Chiefs, Vodacom and Coca-Cola for the embarrassment and inconvenience caused to them. We also humbly beg our readers’ pardon for the report in question.

Our policy is to use anonymous sources on the express condition that they provide us with accurate information which is in the public interest. Further, we promptly correct any errors in our stories where they occur. We encourage readers who spot any mistakes to notify us by emailing us at the following address: editor@sowetan.co.za or faxing them on: 011 474 8834.